Williamsburg Chapter Attends FFA Activities Week

Twelve members of the Williamsburg FFA Chapter participated in the Pennsylvania FFA State Activities Week June 13 to 15, 2023, at Penn State, University Park. At the conclusion of the three days, the chapter had success in many different areas.

During the first convention session Tuesday night, Justin Brubaker and Elijah Shultz were recognized on stage as State Proficiency Winners. Agricultural Proficiency awards are based on a student's Supervised Agricultural Experience and the growth of their project and skills gained. Justin Brubaker won the Wildlife Production and Management – Entrepreneurship Proficiency with his Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) raising Ring Neck Pheasants. Throughout his experience, Justin had to build new pens, incubate eggs and apply for and receive PA Game Commission permits. Elijah Shultz was the state winner for the Agricultural Mechanics Repair and Maintenance – Placement Proficiency. Elijah's SAE was working for his family to rebuild and restore tractors and equipment. Through his experience, Elijah learned how to rebuild carburetors, read wiring diagrams and developed an interest in welding, which led to a future career. Both young men have submitted their applications to the National FFA Contest and will be awaiting results in the fall.

While at Penn State Tuesday and Wednesday, students were busy competing in Career Development Events (CDEs) which are contests in an agriculturally related area that enables the students to develop critical thinking, problem solving and teamwork skills.

The Williamsburg Chapter was represented in the following CDEs: Agronomy – Elijah Shultz; Aquatics – CJ Smith and Ty Uplinger; Creed Speaking – Kassie Mingle; Dairy Cattle Management and Evaluation – Samantha England; Environmental and Natural Resources – Justin Brubaker, Cole Nicewonger, CJ Smith and Ty Uplinger; Milk Quality and Products – Eleanor Brubaker, Billie Harnish, Ethan O and Sam Parks; Safe Tractor Driving – Ivan Brubaker; Wildlife – Justin Brubaker and Cole Nicewonger.

At the third convention session Thursday morning, CDE awards were handed out and Eleanor Brubaker was recognized as the first-place individual in the Milk Quality and Products CDE with a plaque and monetary award. The Milk Quality and Products team of Eleanor Brubaker, Billie Harnish, Ethan O and Sam Parks finished third overall. In the Milk Quality and Products CDE, students use their knowledge about milk production, processing, distribution and marketing to complete a knowledge exam, calculate prices, identify dairy product characteristics and analyze an on-farm production scenario for quality.

Additional Placing and Medal Highlights from the State Activities Week Include:

• Milk Quality and Products – Eleanor Brubaker – 1st Gold Medal

• Agronomy – Elijah Shultz – 6th Gold Medal

• Creed Speaking – Kassie Mingle – 9th Gold Medal

• Wildlife – Justin Brubaker – Silver Medal

• Dairy Cattle Management and Evaluation – Samantha England – Bronze Medal

• Safe Tractor Driving – Ivan Brubaker – Bronze Medal